Bill Shankly

football matter life death attitude serious important

“Some people think football [soccer] is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.”

—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)

football success mind believe make

“a lot of football success is in the mind. you must believe you are the best and then make sure that you are.”

—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)

referee know rules game

“The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they do not know the game."

—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)

socialism working share reward football

“The socialism I believe in is everyone working for each other, everyone having a share of the rewards. It's the way I see football, the way I see life.”

—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)

football team piano eight carry three play

"A football team is like a piano. You need eight men to carry it and three who can play the damn thing."

—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)

football club trinity player manager supporter director check

"At a football club, there's a holy trinity - the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don't come into it. They are only there to sign the checks."

—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)

penalty area next ball net goal evaluate option scoring

"If you get to the edge of the penalty area with the ball and don't know what to do next, just stick the ball in the net for now. We can evaluate the other options later."

—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)

football simple game passes control ball available

"Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple."

—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)